An upright swing takes the club back vertically, returning to the ball on a steep angle and producing a higher ball flight and more spin. While this type of shot can give a lot of momentum to the ball, it can be pretty risky, as unless you can hit that sweet spot, the hit can go extremely wrong. Due to the relatively high risk and return from this move, it’s pretty common among pros.
Some of the most famous pro golfers with upright swings include Kenny Perry, Jim Furyk, Matt Kuchar, Zack Johnson, and Sergio Garcia. These players favor a steep angle and a vertical club path.
To learn more about these pro golfers and their swing style, make sure to read on. Hopefully, doing so will give you insight into the advantages and drawbacks of favoring an upright swing. Remember that these are just a few of the pros who prefer the less common upright swing, which, though riskier, can produce unbelievable results.
1. Kenny Perry
Kenny Perry has made a name for himself as one of the most famous American golfers of his generation. The most unique quality about his playing style has always been his upright swing, through which he has gone on to win several major tournaments.
His steep attack angle allows him to generate extra power and distance, giving him an edge over his competitors. However, to reap the benefits of an upright swing, Perry has had to perfect his accuracy to a point where even the slightest off shots (even by a millimeter or two) are unacceptable. Moreover, his quick tempo has allowed him to follow a rhythm that perfectly complements this type of shot.
He also benefits from his impressive upper body strength and flexibility, without which upright swings tend to flop.
2. Jim Furyk
Furyk has made a name for himself through his signature looping, upright swings that few other golfers have been able to replicate. His technique is pretty distinctive even among other players that prefer steeper angles, as he likes to take the club far back before dropping it on the inside of the downswing.
3. Matt Kuchar
Matt Kuchar and Jim Furyk are the two players that most golfing fans associate with upright swings. Kuchar, just like his colleague, prefers a steep, vertical swing that allows him to gain somewhat of an edge over his competitors when the course demands greater distances and soft-landing shots.
4. Zack Johnson
Zack Johnson is famous for his steep angle of attack through which he generates a level of height and spin that’s hard to replicate even among pros. His game is characterized by powerful, high-trajectory shots that are pretty hard to compete with. This unique style (which many pros playing at his level are scared to even attempt) has won him a lot of major tournaments.
5. Sergio Garcia
Last but not least, Sergio Garcia concludes our list of the most famous pro players with upright swings. The Spanish player has made a name for himself in the international golfing scene by hitting some of the highest yet softest-landing shots, enabling him to compete with the others on this list.